Abstract: A dowel bar loader comprising an inlet for receiving dowel bars, an outlet for delivering dowel bars, and a serpentine path connecting the inlet to the outlet. The path includes at least three changes in direction between the inlet and the outlet. In preferred embodiments, the path can include seven changes in direction or more. In one embodiment, the changes in direction comprises an angle change of at least about twenty-five degrees. The dowel bar loader further includes a control mechanism positioned to control movement of dowel bars in the path, and a spacer mechanism for spacing the dowel bars from each other in preparation for delivery to the dowel bar inserter. Preferably, the control mechanism is upstream of the spacer mechanism and spaced from the outlet. In one embodiment, the control mechanism comprises a control wheel that rotates completely around during normal operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing asphalt in the field is described. The apparatus includes a motor for rotatively driving a chamber containing the asphalt to be tested. The chamber is rotated while cooler, ambient air is circulated through the asphalt particulate. After cooling the particles of the asphalt, the asphalt particles are separated by tumbling action.

Abstract: The invention consists of a hopper to place material in, and a door beneath it to hold back the material until it is to be released onto a grid consisting of four separate compartments or chutes that direct the material into four separate sample containers. The latch is arranged in such a manner as to allow the gates to open suddenly, and simultaneously, releasing the material in a mass (rather than slowly), assuring an even flow of the material down the chutes and into the four waiting containers below. This assures an unbiased sample in each container. For further reductions in sample size, the common practice is to choose any two opposite corner containers, combine in the hopper and repeat the process.